Shrikekit's Apprentice Ceremony

A warm breeze worked its way through her pelt, still thickened from the harsh chill of Leafbare, and the molly briefly found herself luxuriating in it, the promise of Newleaf tingling the tip of her tongue like a forgotten name. Tallrock stood above her, casting a shadow through the ample light shining through the clearing, and within a few bounds the mottled she-cat stood on top, gazing across the clearing. It wasn't long ago that she had stood beneath and awaited her own apprentice name, and a small smile graced Heronfeather's features as she cleared her throat in preparation for the summons, "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather underneath Tallrock for a clan meeting!"

Nearly floundering in his haste to escape the worst of the crowd, Shrikekit could hardly keep the eager bounce out of his step as he practically skipped and tumbled along the length of the clearing. Although his mother had done little to confirm or deny whether or not he would finally be receiving the status of apprentice, he had little doubt that it was most definitely his ceremony. About time! If he had to spend anymore time stuck in camp, he would've died! Splotched features twisted up in an expression of excitement, Shrikekit couldn't help but rock tediously upon his heels as he waited for Heronfeather to speak again.

Amusement bubbled up in her chest and gave way to a soft smile as she watched the kit of her leader dash over in excitement, nearly falling over in his haste to reach the gathering rock. Forcing down a purr to keep her voice level, she surveyed the crowd, determining enough of the clan had gathered to begin. Shrikekit," Heronfeather began, gazing down at the kit with diluted excitement, "You have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Shrikepaw. Your mentor will be..." The molly trained off for a brief moment, realising she was yet to have an apprentice, and could think of no better kit to train. "Your mentor will be me. I will pass down everything I learned from my mentor and I look forward to training with you," The deputy spoke in a clear voice, but allowed a soft purr to emanate from her chest as she leapt off the rock to touch noses with the tom.

Shrikepaw's sharp gaze was focused entirely on Heronfeather as she spoke, youth-soft features blatantly open and relaxed with rapt attention. There was an undercurrent of excitement evident in the slight tremor that worked its way down his spine, thick and unruly fur lifting and prickling to the unseen muscular reaction. Bouncing on his toes, the little blotched tom couldn't help but trill in obvious exhilaration as he touched noses with the mottled she-cat.